A-level Religious Studies
Religion plays an important role in our society and can influence what people think, feel, and believe. OCR A-level Religious Studies teaches it all. With our unlimited tutor support, you will be helped every step of the way throughout your studies. This is an engaging course that will encourage you to think about and respect the views of others. Increase your understanding of different religions and explore the power of tolerance and acceptance.
- Fast Track
- In a rush? You can complete this course under a year at no extra charge
- 98% Pass Rate
- Students have enjoyed a 98% pass rate
- Exam Pass Guarantee
- If you don't pass first time, we'll support you for free until your next exams
- Online Learning
- Study on your own terms with our learning platform, MyOxbridge™
- Unlimited Tutor Support™
- Get as much help as you want from your expert personal tutor
Course Introduction
Religious Studies pose some big questions. Does God really exist? Is there a moral argument for euthanasia? Are there really such things as good and evil? These are just some of the intriguing topics you’ll be studying in our OCR A-level Religious Studies course.
In this RS course, you’ll take a tour through the issues of meta-ethics and moral responsibility, examine the relationship between religion and science and explore the challenges that secularism poses for Christianity. You’ll also gain a thorough understanding of the ancient philosophical influences on word religions, study the fascinating debates surrounding the idea that human beings have a ‘conscience’ and explore the complex relationship between sexual ethics and religious belief.
With Oxbridge, you can learn from anywhere at a pace that suits you. You will have access to several learning materials to help you achieve the best possible grade. Structure your studies around your current lifestyle; you will learn transferable skills that will help you in further education and employment.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Outcome
- UCAS Points
- Syllabus Code
- Units
-
9–24 months
(Fast Track available)
-
300
-
Level 3
-
OCR A-level
-
56
-
H573
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11 units (view units)
Awarding Body: OCR
OCR is a leading UK awarding body. Providing qualifications that engage people of all ages and abilities. The general and vocational qualifications equip learners with the knowledge and skills they need for their future, helping them achieve their full potential. OCR provide GCSE courses and A-Level courses in over 40 subjects.
UCAS
This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to university courses and other higher education qualifications, through the UCAS system.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
Unit 1: Ancient Philosophy
- Plato
- Aristotle
- The Prime Mover
- Comparisons
- Mind, Body and Soul
- Descartes and dualism
Unit 2: Arguments for the Existence of God
- Teleological argument
- The cosmological argument for the existence of God
- The ontological argument for the existence of God
- Religious experience
Unit 3: Religious Language
- The nature and attributes of God
- Religious language: negative, analogical, symbolic
- Twentieth Century perspectives
Unit 4: Christian Normative Ethics
- Natural moral law
- Situation ethics
- The Six Propositions
- The Four Working Principles
Unit 5: Secular Normative Ethics
- Kantian Ethics
- The Categorical Imperative vs. Hypothetical Imperatives
- Utilitarianism
Unit 6: Applied Ethics
- Business ethics
- Profit vs Ethics
- Euthanasia
Unit 7: Meta Ethics and Conscience
- Meta Ethics
- Cognitivism and non-cognitivism
- Conscience
- Aquinas’ Theological Approach to Conscience
- Freud’s Psychological Approach to Conscience
- Sexual ethics
Unit 8: Beliefs and Foundations in Christian Thought
Augustine’s teaching on human nature
Death and the Afterlife
Knowledge of God’s existence
The person of Jesus Christ
Unit 9: Christian Practices and Development
- Christian moral principles
- Christian moral actions
- Religious pluralism
Unit 10: Christianity in Society
- Gender and society
- Gender and theology
- The challenge of secularism
- Liberation Theology and Marx
Unit 11: Preparation for the Exam
- Practice Paper 01: Philosophy of Religion
- Practice Paper 02: Religion and Ethics
- Practice Paper 03: Developments in Christian Thought
Course Outcome
Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive the qualification: A-level Religious Studies, issued by OCR. Your certificate is identical to those issued to students at any other school, college, or university.
Oxbridge has chosen this A-level RS syllabus (H573) because it is the best suited to online learning and we believe it provides the best chance of success.
A-level Religious studies is a unique qualification that is favoured by employers and universities alike.
Progression Routes
Studying A-level Religious Studies can open various academic and career pathways. University degrees include:
- Philosophy
- History
- Sociology
- Law
- Psychology
Career options include:
- Teacher/Lecturer
- Educational Consultant
- Policy Advisor
- Human Rights Advocacy
Examinations and Assessments
You will be required to complete three standard OCR A-level Religious Studies written exams:
- Paper 1: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 120 marks.
- Paper 2: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 120 marks.
- Paper 3: 2 hours, 33.3% of A-level, 120 marks.
Exam FAQs
Are exams required to pass the course?
For A-levels and GCSEs you will need to sit an exam. You can purchase your exams when you enrol on a course, or you can book them later via MyOxbridge. Either way, once you're on board with us, your tutor will guide you through the process.
Where are the exams held?
Exams will require attendance at a physical exam centre, with detailed information available on our Exam Centres page. We offer guaranteed exam spaces at our partnership centres across the UK, or you can register as a private candidate at a centre of your choice, keeping in mind that fees may vary by location.
When do exams take place - are there set dates?
Exam dates are set nationally and cannot be changed, so it's important to plan accordingly. They are usually late spring to early summer. For example, forthcoming A-level exams are scheduled from 1st March to 31st May 2025, while GCSE exams will run from 5th May to 25th June 2025.
Can exams be taken online?
For A-level and GCSE courses, exams must be taken in person at a designated exam centre.
Are mock exams available? Are they compulsory?
Yes, we offer both compulsory Internal Mocks in the autumn (included in your course fees and delivered online) and optional External Mocks in the spring (for an additional fee, taken at an exam centre). Mock exams are a great way to prepare for the real thing, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
How and when do I register for exams?
Exam registration opens in the autumn before the summer exam period, so if you plan to take exams next summer, you should register by November of the preceding year. You can complete the exam registration form in your student portal, and our Student Support team is available to help with the process.
Can you take exams outside of the UK?
While our MyOxbridge learning portal is accessible worldwide, most exams must be taken within the UK. Check with us for specific exam requirements to avoid any surprises.
Do I have to buy the exam from Oxbridge in order to study with you?
No, you are not obligated to purchase your exam through Oxbridge. You can either book your own exam centre independently, or take advantage of our partnerships with exam centres for a more streamlined process.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course, but it is strongly recommended that you can read and write English effectively. A general education up to GCSE level or equivalent is recommended for this course. This OCR A-level Religious Studies syllabus is a difficulty level three: an A-level or BTEC equivalent difficulty, usually suitable for most learners of all ages.